06jun

Michigan

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by Michaela A. Christensen |
June 01, 2016

Why here?

Michigan's breathtaking landscapes, shimmering waters, unique attractions and rich culture make the Great Lakes State perfect for groups. Add to that an influx of new hotels, an exploding farm-to-fork movement and new cutting-edge convention facilities, all giving this destination a fresh new feel.

BORN-AGAIN FAVORITES•The Pretzel Bell in Ann Arbor has reopened its doors after closing more than 30 years ago, having originally opened in 1934. The new menu is a modern take on traditional American comfort food.

• Traverse City's former chapel at the Northern Michigan Asylum, built in the 1880s, was renovated in 2014. Kirkbride Hall is now a popular spot for corporate functions and other gatherings.

HIP HOPS
Voted Beer City U.S.A. and named America's Best Beer Town by USA Today, Grand Rapids is home to more than 40 breweries, cideries and distilleries. Book a guided tour with Grand Rapids Beer Tours.

BARN CHIC
Built in 1934, the Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City has been restored as an event space that can accommodate up to 200 seated and 300 standing. (231) 342-1526

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DETROIT

Local Update• A $279 million renovation of Cobo Center is complete. Updates include the new 40,000-square-foot Grand Riverview Ballroom and a new 30,000-square-foot glass-enclosed atrium with floor-to-ceiling views of the Detroit River and the Windsor, Ontario, skyline. The convention center now also features a TV broadcast studio with satellite uplink capabilities and high-tech video walls on the exterior of the building to welcome visitors. The latest addition will be Cobo Square, a 50,000-square-foot exterior plaza and vehicle drop-off area.

• The Suburban Collection Showplace convention facility is receiving a 200,000-square-foot addition that will commence construction after Labor Day and open in fall 2017. Once the addition is complete, insiders say that an expansion of the attached 128-room Hyatt Place Detroit/Novi at the Suburban Collection Showplace will begin.

• Construction continues on the highly anticipated M-1 Rail streetcar, to be complete in early 2017. It will be called the QLine.

• The District Detroit is slated to debut in summer 2017. When complete, the huge complex will comprise some 50 blocks of businesses, parks, restaurants, bars and event destinations.

• The $627 million Detroit Events Center is scheduled to open in summer 2017. The new facility will be home to the Detroit Red Wings hockey team, other sports and entertainment events, concerts, family shows and more.

• The state's first Legoland Discovery Center opened March 25 at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. The mall also introduced the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium, another first for the state, last year.

• The MGM Grand Detroit recently was named a Forbes Travel Guide four-star hotel and spa for the eighth consecutive year. The 400-room property offers more than 300,000 square feet of meeting space.